A pacemaker is a small device that is placed under the skin beneath the collarbone. Through wires (leads), the pacemaker monitors how fast the heart is beating. If the heart beats below the rate that it should be beating, the pacemaker can take over the role of stimulating the heartbeats for as long as is needed. During the procedure, you will receive medications to keep you comfortable and relaxed. Thin tubes (leads) are inserted through a large vein near your collarbone, and passed into the heart. The leads are connected to a pulse generator (pacemaker) which is implanted in a pouch under the skin below the collarbone. The pulse generator is about the size of a tea bag. It monitors the heart rate and takes over the role of stimulating the heartbeats when necessary.
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Find Locations
Naomi Jensen, Executive Director, Quality & Patient Safety, leads with purpose to drive safer, more inclusive care and inspire teams to create lasting change.
/stories/we-are-ih-executive-director-driving-safer-care
In December, transplant recipients give back to the health-care staff who see the tragic side of organ donation so they can meet people whose lives were saved.
/stories/operation-popcorn-moment-healing-transplant-recipients
Substance Use Connections bridges hospitals and community health services like detox, offering compassionate support for patients who use substances.
/stories/substance-use-connections-warm-handover-community-services
At WorkBC career fairs, that partnership comes to life. The IH booth is busy from set up to take down, filled with people eager to learn about roles across IH
/stories/workbc-and-ih-community-partnership-continues-grow
In a show of solidarity, members of Yaqan Nuʔkiy, IH staff and Creston community members came together for National Addictions Awareness Week.
/stories/yaqan-nukiy-and-ih-come-together-fifth-annual-canoe-walk
Born in South Africa, raised in Florida and England, and now serving KGH, Kelly Monks’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary and inspiring.
/stories/we-are-ih-nurse-achieves-dream-practising-canada
STAY CONNECTED
Receive news, alerts, public service announcements and articles right to your inbox.
